Waioeka Gorge huts ready to be explored

KEEPING COSY: A new fireplace awaits visitors to the Koranga Forks Hut, just in time for winter. Picture by Moira Lee

THE KORANGA Forks and Tawa huts in the Waioeka Gorge will be much warmer and more comfortable places to stay after a spruce up by the Department of Conservation (DoC).

The huts are on the Moanui, Tawa, Koranga loop track, and are regularly used by trampers, hunters and anglers.

The loop track is accessible from Te Wera Road, half way between Gisborne and Opotiki, and passes through native bush, farmland and river beds.

Four DoC staff, assisted by a volunteer, undertook the maintenance on the two six-bunk huts over three days.

It was part of the work programme before winter sets in, said DoC biodiversity supervisor Paul Roper.

“The team was divided into two groups and transported separately, along with gear and equipment — 26 bags of cement, pre-cut piles and posts, timber, a new fire and parts, along with building gear, food and tents.”

Works at the HutAt the Koranga Forks Hut the team installed a new fireplace, water tank stand, window louvres and finished some painting work.

The team replaced all outer piles on the Tawa Hut, repaired a hole in the hut wall, fastened bunks to the wall, and fixed the fireplace hearth. They re-routed a section of the track 40 minutes before the hut where a slip had occurred.

Mr Roper said while the public have been looking after the huts well and there was minimal rubbish on-site, visitors needed to complete the hut book, as DoC relies on that information for funding and hut maintenance.

He said both huts are now ready for visitors to have a place to sleep and enjoy the variety of walks and recreational opportunities in the Waioeka Gorge.

He said trampers will need a moderate level of fitness and good level of back country experience to do the tracks on the network.

Rates to stay in the huts per night are $5.00 for adults, $2.50 for 11-17 year olds, and free for under 10 year olds.

For further information about these huts and walks in area visit the DoC website www.doc.govt.nz.